General information and FAQ

How much does it cost to patent an idea?

Patents are the main shielding devices protecting inventions, but this protection does not cover ideas. An idea lacks the detailed specification of an invention, thus ideas cannot be patented. Nevertheless, inventions are no other than ideas which are embodied by sufficient particular details, and this is the main characteristic that helps an inventor to protect his idea.

An idea needs to be improved to the point where it is drawable, however, a prototype and detailed plans are not required. Moreover, the technical solution must be feasible and the technical solution must be demonstrated with a specific example.

It is the patent attorney’s task to create the patent claims providing a protection as widely as possible while considering the prior art.

Patent cost consists of two parts: the official fees and the service fees. This patent cost calculator helps you calculate the official fees.

What is a patentable invention?

To be patented, an invention must meet certain requirements:

the subject matter of the invention must be patent eligible. In a nutshell, that means the invention must be something that could be protected by patent laws,

a patentable invention must be useful; this is the so called statement of practical utility,

the invention must meet the requirement of novelty, meaning the invention is new,

the invention shall not be trivial or obvious,

it requires an adequate description, which means that the invention must be described in such a manner that an engineer of the field shall be able to understand the invention, the innovative step and the subject matter.

When should be an invention patented?

The time of the application date could be varying, depending on what stage the invention is in, the financial circumstances of the inventor and other factors as well. In case an invention exceeds the idea it derives from, it is ready to be patented. The last step before applying for a patent is working out examples for implementation. Creating and implementing a thoughtful strategy is the most useful advice for any inventor; applying for a patent is the last step towards helping an inventor to make money from an invention.

How much does a patent cost?

The cost of a patent-application depends on several factors. For example, the cost of a European patent is different than the cost of a PCT application; furthermore the cost may depend on how many pages the given application consists of. Our calculator is designed to help applicants to calculate the expected cost of different patent applications. This website grants the applicants a reliable and effective tool wherewith the patent costs and other fees could be taken to count easily.

What are the patent fees?

Generally official fees are charged for filing, search, claims, examination, grant and printing. Renewal fees are also payable e.g. for the third year and each subsequent year after the date of filing. The calculating the cost of a European patent is not even easy, so use this patent cost calculator application. At the European patent there are other fees as well, e.g. fee for the designation of contracting states.

The filing and search fees are due at the beginning of the procedure. The remaining fees are payable later. That means that applicants can decide at each stage of the procedure whether or not to continue with their application. Beware of fake invoices requesting the payment of fees for the registration or publication of a patent application.

What is a European patent?

The European and national patent grant procedures exist in parallel. When seeking patent protection in more European contracting states, take the European route, which confers protection in all the contracting states that you designate in a single procedure. If you decide that you want a European patent, you have the choice between the direct European route and the Euro-PCT route. With the Euro-PCT route, the first phase of the grant procedure (the international phase) is subject to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), while the regional phase before the European Patent Office (EPO) as designated or elected Office is governed primarily by the European Patent Convention (EPC).

What is the cost of a European patent?

At the European patent the post-grant stage, competence is transferred to the contracting states designated in the European patent. Costs may be incurred for validation of the European patent there. In order to maintain the patent, renewal fees must be paid in each designated state. The amount of the renewal fee varies from state to state. The overall cost of obtaining a European patent may also include fees for the services of a patent attorney.

What is a PCT patent?

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) has been established in order to provide the applicants international protection for their invention. The PCT system simplifies the process of filing patent applications so the decision-making process of the patent Offices has accelerated. PCT patents seek protection all over the world; 148 countries have recognized the defensive power of the PCT patents. PCT is a cooperative agreement that harmonizes the patent application processes of seeking patent protection in other countries.

What is the cost of a PCT patent?

The cost of a PCT patent application depends on many factors. The average applicant shall pay three types of fees: the international filing fee, the search fee and the transmittal fee. However, the total amount of fees to be paid differs from time to time, as the search fee shall be paid according to the number of pages, and the transmittal fees vary depending on the receiving Offices. patent-cost-calculator.com has been created to provide reliable information for applicants, you can calculate the exact cost of your PCT application here.